The Evolution of Granfondo: Embracing Climbs, Cycling Tourism, and Gourmet Stops
February traditionally marks the time when cyclists begin to highlight key dates on their calendars, eagerly anticipating longer days and planning major cycling events for the season. For 2026, one date stands out: Sunday, September 27.
On this day, Valdobbiadene will host the eagerly awaited edition of the Prosecco Cycling event.
Transforming the Format: An Event that Celebrates the Territory
If you envision a typical granfondo where riders start aggressively, form tight groups, and focus solely on the clock until the finish line, you’re missing the point. Over the years, Prosecco Cycling has revolutionized its format, evolving from a mere competition into a genuine cycling tourism experience.
This philosophy is encapsulated in a groundbreaking rule introduced in the 2025 edition: the “minimum time” requirement.
Enjoy the Landscape (and Don’t Arrive Too Early)
The concept devised by the organizers is both simple and revolutionary for the amateur cycling world: riders who complete the course in less than 3 hours and 10 minutes are excluded from the rankings. This serves as an explicit – almost moral – invitation to lift one’s gaze from the handlebars and immerse in the beauty of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene hills.
The route, confirmed in its unique form of 100 kilometers and 1,510 meters of elevation gain, is a continuous series of ups and downs that embrace all 15 municipalities of the denomination.
There are no punishing gradients, but a harmonious succession of vineyards, historic villages, and breathtaking panoramas that have earned the UNESCO World Heritage recognition.
Timed Climbs and a Leisurely Pace
For those who can’t resist a touch of healthy competitive effort, the format includes only three timed climbs (Via Busi, Ca’ del Poggio, and Collalto) that determine the various rankings.
But the rest of the journey is pure cycling tourism enjoyment, where “timing” gives way to exploring the territory, sharing moments, and laughing with fellow riders.
Gourmet Stops: The True Engine of the Ride
Exploring a territory deeply also means (and especially) savoring its enogastronomic culture. Forget the cold energy bars consumed during descents: the renowned “feed zones” of Prosecco Cycling are stages of a true Grand Tour Gourmet.
From the traditional and highly anticipated stop with scampi and Prosecco DOCG in San Pietro di Feletto, to local delicacies in Col San Martino, and the inevitable sweet breaks featuring tiramisu in Refrontolo.
Each refreshment is a perfect excuse to put a foot down, toast to the beauty of the landscape, and remember why we love traveling by bicycle so much.
Prosecco Cycling 2026: Save the Date for September 27
Today, Prosecco Cycling embodies mature, sustainable, and inclusive cycling tourism (e-bikes are, of course, welcome). A format that enhances the territory without exploiting it and brings the bicycle back to its true essence: a perfect tool to discover the world at the right pace.
The appointment is set for September 27, 2026, with the traditional start from Piazza Marconi in Valdobbiadene.
Prepare your legs, but above all, get ready to ride without haste.
For more information and updates: www.proseccocycling.it
Additional Events in the Prosecco Hills
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Prosecco Cycling Gravel Contest: Scheduled for October 1, 2026, this event offers a 70-kilometer route through the white roads and vineyards of the Prosecco hills. Registration opens on April 5, 2026. (marcadoc.com)
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Nova Eroica Prosecco Hills: Taking place from April 25 to 27, 2025, this event features three classic routes catering to various skill levels, including a new Epic Route over 200 kilometers. (247sports.news)
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Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Running Festival: Scheduled for December 5-6, 2026, this festival offers four race courses through the Prosecco Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. (prosecco.run)
These events highlight the rich cycling culture and the unique blend of athletic challenge and culinary delight that the Prosecco Hills region offers.